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As the end of the school year approaches bringing warm weather and the school-wide countdown to summer vacation, many students anxiously await the arrival of various formal dances held in celebration of yet another successful school year. Arguably the most stressful time of the year for students— what with SAT’s and AP exams scheduled sporadically throughout the spring— the month of May also provides students with a brief break from the stress of school in the form of these annual dances. For the second consecutive  year, Walpole High School’s annual Freshman Semi-Formal dance was held at the Renaissance Hotel at Patriots’ Place on April 17th.

Ticket sales for this highly-anticipated event began at the end of March and ended on April 4th. Freshman representatives from the WHS Student Council sold tickets during lunch to students interested in attending the event. Upon purchasing a $65 ticket, each student was given a black and white wristband to be worn on the night of the dance. The money raised covered the dance’s expenses, which included essentials like the venue, food, bracelets, favors, and DJ services.

One popular attraction at this year’s Freshman semi was a photobooth. After taking notice of the photobooth’s popularity at other Student Council-sponsored dances, freshman StuCo representatives decided that renting one for their spring semi would entertain the students in attendance. Using the provided props— such as crazy hats, humorous signs, and oversized sunglasses— the freshmen were able to bring a souvenir home that would remind them of this memorable night.

In reference to the lively atmosphere and success of the dance, freshman Tess Lawlor said, “The semi was a lot of fun and nice to have at the end of the year for the whole grade.”

The Dance took place in the Renaissance Hotel’s main dining hall. Inside, there was a large dance floor in the middle of the room illuminated by bright lights and multicolored decorations. The music was provided by  DJ Blaque, who has provided music for the Pink Dance in October and the annual Winter Ball in January for the past few years.

Freshman Kayla Frost said, “The venue was very nice and had a classy vibe to it, and the photo booth was a cool touch.”

The StuCo Representatives chose the venue based on the success of last year’s Freshman Semi, which also took place at the hotel. Last year marked the first time any Walpole semi-formal was held at the Renaissance, as most underclassmen dances were previously booked as dinner cruises around Boston Harbor.

With high expectations set by students after a successful Pink Dance, Winter Ball, and Rebel Rave, this years Freshman Semi was a success, as the majority of the grade attended.